Italy vs Ireland Prediction, Betting Tips & Preview

Preview

Joel Amorim Jun 21, 2016 @ 02:30 am

Next Wednesday, 22nd of June 2016, Italy, which have already secured a place in the next stage of the tournament, will measure forces with a fragilized Ireland at Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille for their last match in Group E.

Italy didn’t fall short of expectations when they faced Sweden last time out, grabbing the three points thanks to a late goal by versatile Brazilian born versatile forward Éder in the dying moments of the match. The Italians were by far the best team throughout the match and the late goal didn’t come as a surprise. After that win, the Squadra Azzurra have clawed a place in the next stage of the tournament and will remain at the top of their group regardless of what happen next time out against the Irish.

Antonio Conte’s Italy is almost perfect in the tactical department and the way they take advantage from the opponent's’ mistakes is absolutely impressive.

For the upcoming match against Ireland, Antonio Conte will probably promote some changes in the starting XI in order to rest some of the most important players. Gianluigi Buffon was struggling with a fever and is a doubt out there. Antonio Candreva is currently recovering from a hamstring injury and he is also in doubt for next Wednesday’s match.

As for Ireland, after their pleasant performance and 1-1 draw against Sweden in their opening match, the Irish failed to withstand Belgium’s attacking avalanche in the second-half of the match and ended up defeated by 3-0.

Ireland’s overall performance was considerably poor and although they have reasons to complaint against the referee, who failed to see Shane Long being run over by the Belgium defenders inside the box, they also have themselves to blame for such a bland display. The Irish will need to pull off something very special if they want to at least upset Italy next time out, otherwise they will risk to suffer another defeat.

Jonathan Walters and experienced forward Robbie Keane are likely to miss next Wednesday’s match against the Squadra Azzurra.

Italy

Stats: W-4 L-1 D-0

Recent Form - WWWWL

Ireland

Stats: W-0 L-2 D-3

Recent Form - LDLDD

Possible Line-ups

Italy (3-5-2) – Sirigu - Barzagli - Bonucci - Chiellini - Sturaro - Florenzi - De Rossi - Motta - Giaccherini - Pelle - Éder

Ireland (4-4-1-1) – Randolph - Coleman - O’Shea - Clark - Ward - McCarthy - Whelan - Hendrick - Brady - Hoolahan - Long

Injury List / Suspended Players

Italy - Buffon (in doubt) - Candreva (in doubt)

Ireland - Keane (in doubt) - Walters (in doubt)

Head-to-head matches:

League Positions